MX23RW : Thursday, January 2 23:08:13| >> :600:1682385:1682385:

Coronavirus latest: Michael O'Neill urges Northern Ireland fans to follow advice

Coronavirus latest: Michael O'Neill urges Northern Ireland fans to follow advice
© Reuters
Michael O'Neill urged people to stay at home during the pandemic.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill urged fans to follow the government's advice amid the battle against coronavirus.

On what would have been the eve of Northern Ireland's Euro 2020 qualifying play-off semi-final against Bosnia, O'Neill wrote an open letter to supporters.

The boss expressed his and the squad's disappointment at not playing, but took the opportunity to reinforce the government's message.

"Football players, managers and coaches are not immune to the potential effects of this deadly virus," O'Neill said in a statement.

"We have family members and friends who are classed as vulnerable. We care for them deeply and don't want them to come to any harm.

"We can help keep our loved ones safe by working together in tackling the spread of Covid-19 and following the guidelines issued by the Government and the health authorities. It is in everyone's best interests to do so."

The manager expressed that he was sure the team would be able to count on the supporters of the Green And White Army as they look to qualify for the now-postponed tournament.

He added: "In the meantime, though, we all need each other's help and support. Please keep in touch with friends and family by using remote technology such as phone, internet and social media.

"Stay home if you can. If you do have to go outside please ensure it is only to get food or that it's for health reasons or essential work.

"If we all follow the rules then hopefully it won't be too long before you, the GAWA, get to sing your hearts out again. I very much look forward to that day."

ID:394377: cacheID:394377:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3879:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Tanguy Ndombele equalises during the Premier League game between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa on August 10, 2019
Read Next:
Barcelona planning Tanguy Ndombele swoop?
>
Read more about Michael O'Neill Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool18143145172845
2Arsenal19116238172139
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea19105438231535
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle1995532211132
6Manchester CityMan City199463226631
7Bournemouth198652923630
8Fulham197842825329
9Aston Villa198562831-329
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton196942928127
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1973941281324
12Brentford197393335-224
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham196582335-1223
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd196492126-522
15Crystal Palace194872027-720
16Everton183871524-917
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich1936101833-1515
19Leicester CityLeicester1935112242-2014
20Southampton1913151239-276


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!